As told by The ‘Un’Official Urban Gospel Chaplain-Mark Johnson.
Since November 4th of 2008 a new era has arisen within our nation. A sunrise of “change” has been echoing throughout our land of the so-called free; televisions, radios, work places, schools, street corners, barbershops and churches. An African-American President……wow! Just think not more than a mere 50 years ago, President Obama would have had to stand in a “Coloreds Only” line at the water fountain in the south. As an African-American, I am proud to have witnessed the fruition of what so many generations have fought to accomplish. Please don’t get this article twisted. I’m not pushing democratic ideologies nor looking for black sovereign rule of this world. However, I will acknowledge that I do feel a satisfaction as an African-American man on the achievement that’s taking place today. With that said, please know that I am a Christian first and foremost. This is why I feel compelled to share with you some thoughts God laid on my heart while studying Nehemiah in my personal quiet time.
Nehemiah was a loyal cupbearer to the king (civil service employee). While working in the palace (aka The White House) for the King he received word (hit him up on his iPhone) from his brother about his hometown (aka his hood) that things looked grim. His brother told him the walls of Jerusalem were crumbled (aka economic turmoil, poverty, extreme taxation, crime and drugs) and has left the city in ruins. Nehemiah, with God’s favor, utilized his connection to the King (got the hook up) to commission him to restore the walls of Jerusalem. Long story short, Nehemiah thru the power of prayer, due diligence, integrity and wisdom rebuilt the wall, creating social and political reform despite opposition (haters). I’m not saying that Barack Obama is the modern-day version of Nehemiah. However, the Kings and Presidents of our world are appointed by God so we must give honor where honor is due.
During the time of rebuilding, rumors of an attack on the city began to brew. Nehemiah ordered all common laborers (everyday peoples), who were assigned to help in the reconstruction, to carry a sword in one hand and a tool to build in the other. In my studying, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind that we as Christians must be spiritually ambidextrous in these times: with one hand we should be helping to feed the poor, clean up our streets, display good morals and with the other hand fulfill the great commission; watch, pray, making disciples and preach the Gospel. Now more than ever we need to rebuild the walls of faith in our cities.
The world sees the church (aka body of Christ) as a homosexual haven filled with hypocritical, judgmental people who don’t serve to help the social ills of our societies. The world needs to see ambidextrous Christians giving of themselves to serve our society fueled by our faith in Jesus Christ. We don’t need people drawn to our race or ethnicity as the core value of who we are. Instead, they should see Christ when they ask why we do what we do. We need the body of Christ to play offense with the sword of the spirit and defense with a shovel of wisdom digging in the Word of God. Let political and social change come out of the offspring of Christians who look for spiritual reform first and foremost with the Kingdom of God’s agenda as the primary mission. According to Romans 13 we must obey and respect the Obama administration but understand even he is subject to the Chief Executive of the universe. Let’s keep the ranks in perspective as we seek to rebuild our cities’ walls with the Cross of Christ in our lenses.
